Chapter 8: A Supernatural Showdown

It felt like he was falling down an endless pit, enveloped in the deepest darkness. As he fell, time and space seemed to lose meaning. He didn't know how long he had been in that abyss, nor if he would ever find an end. The vertigo churned his stomach, and his mind couldn't process what was happening. But then, suddenly, he felt a strong impact on his back.

BAM!

With a grunt of pain, his body slammed against the pavement. The dull sound of the impact echoed in his ears, followed by the thunderous noise of rain hitting the ground around him. Slowly, he sat up, dazed and sore, trying to orient himself. He looked around: a dark and deserted city, lit only by the dim glow of a few distant streetlights. The sky was covered with black clouds, and the rain fell relentlessly, soaking his body instantly.

He was still wearing his hero suit, made of reinforced black material, designed to be light and agile. His belt carried a few gadgets, like retractable hooks and smoke bombs, but not many supplies, as his original mission hadn't required such equipment. The cold metal of his provisional hero license was still in one of the compartments, reminding him of who he was and how far he had come.

Every muscle in his body ached. He felt a constant pressure in his head, as though someone were squeezing his skull tightly. The sharp pain spread to his limbs, making it difficult to even stay on his feet. The rain, far from easing his discomfort, only intensified it. The cold water soaked his suit and hair, and each drop felt like a tiny needle piercing his skin.

Hideki took a deep breath, trying to calm the pain and clear his mind. This was all confusing. Where was he? How had he gotten here? He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of uncertainty. He had no answers, but he knew he couldn't stay here for long. He needed to find shelter, or at least figure out what kind of world he had landed in.

With one last look around, Hideki began to walk, his footsteps echoing through the empty streets as the rain continued to fall incessantly, covering the world around him with a heavy curtain of water.

Morning came with the first rays of sunlight filtering through the scattered clouds, gently touching Hideki's face. His body, still sore from the impact of the previous night and the cold pavement he had slept on, creaked as he stood up and stretched. He had spent the night under a bridge, seeking refuge from the rain, though it hadn't spared him the cold or discomfort.

With a sigh, Hideki shook off the droplets of moisture still clinging to his hero suit, and the first thing he decided was to go back to the place where he had fallen the night before. Maybe there, he could find a clue, something that would give him an idea of what was happening or where he was.

As he walked, he noticed something strange about the city. It wasn't just that he didn't recognize the place, but everything seemed... different. The streets lacked the bustle and atmosphere he was used to feeling in Musutafu. It was as if the city wasn't at the same technological level, simpler, older in a sense. The buildings weren't as tall or modern, and the infrastructure, though functional, didn't seem as sophisticated as what he was accustomed to. Even the vehicles on the streets seemed outdated.

What caught his attention the most was the way people looked at him. Not with admiration or recognition, but with curiosity and even distrust. The gazes rested on his hero suit, and several passersby whispered among themselves as he walked. It wasn't new for him to attract attention, but in this case, it made him uncomfortable, like he didn't belong there.

Even stranger, the calmness of the streets felt unsettling. At this time of day, Musutafu would be bustling with activity: heroes patrolling, villains causing trouble, and citizens rushing in their routines. Yet, here he didn't see any heroes in sight, nor hear sirens or warnings of villain attacks. Everything was absurdly quiet, almost too quiet for his taste.

Eventually, he reached the spot where he had fallen the previous night. He examined the street carefully, hoping to find something out of the ordinary, some sign of his arrival or a clue as to how he ended up there. But what he found was nothing. The street was like any other: the pavement was intact, with no signs of his fall, and the surroundings showed no visible alteration.

He crouched down to take a closer look, running his hand over the ground as if it might reveal some hidden clue. But there was nothing. Frustrated, he stood up and crossed his arms, looking around once more, trying to make sense of the situation.

— "What the hell is going on here?" — he muttered to himself, gritting his teeth.

Hideki sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion. Not only had he found no clue, but everything around him seemed completely ordinary. But something inside him told him he wasn't in his world, and whatever had brought him here wasn't going to be easy to understand.

After looking around once more, he decided that staying in one place wouldn't give him any answers. Despite his aching body from the fall and the rough night, he knew he had to move. Continuing to explore the area might help him find something or someone who could explain where he was. However, there was something else on his mind: he was still wearing his hero suit, something that was clearly attracting attention and might not be the wisest choice in an unfamiliar place.

"I need to find some normal clothes," he thought as he observed the people around him. The clothes they wore seemed simpler, without the technology or flashy designs one would see in his world.

Hideki set off, his senses alert, noticing the details around him. Not far ahead, he saw what appeared to be a local market. The shops were lined up along a narrow street, and the vendors had already started opening their stalls. He made his way toward it, hoping to find something useful.

As he walked through the market, the bustle of the city began to pick up. The vendors called out their products, and conversations intertwined with the sound of footsteps and the movement of goods. Despite the growing activity, Hideki noticed something strange: he didn't see anyone who appeared to have powers or special abilities. In Musutafu or anywhere else in his world, there was always someone with a flashy quirk or using their power to do everyday tasks, but here... nothing.

Eventually, he arrived at a stall selling modest and somewhat outdated clothing by his standards, but functional. Without hesitation, he decided to buy a couple of items. As he sifted through the options, he overheard a nearby conversation.

— "Did you see that weird guy last night? He seemed to appear out of nowhere... Like he fell from the sky," — murmured an older woman to a vendor.

Hideki froze for a moment, his hands still on the clothes he was inspecting. He slowly turned, paying closer attention.

— "Yeah, I saw him. It was dark, but I swear he was wearing some kind of weird suit... Looks like he's doing cosplay or something," — said the vendor, clearly intrigued but also suspicious.

Hideki frowned, realizing that people were interpreting his hero suit as part of a cosplay. Apparently, in this world, it wasn't common to see real hero suits, only costumes for events or entertainment. This explained why he was getting so many curious looks.

He decided not to intervene in the conversation. It wasn't the time to ask questions. He moved away from the stall with the new clothes, looking for a place where he could change, and as he did, his mind kept processing what he had overheard. This world, though calm on the surface, might be hiding more than it seemed.

Once he changed into his new clothes, something simpler and less attention-grabbing, he decided to continue on his way. He didn't know exactly what he should do, but one thing was clear: he couldn't stay still; he needed to find answers, and he needed to do it quickly.

Hideki woke up to the sound of his phone alarm, a constant reminder of his daily routines. He slowly sat up in bed, his thoughts still wrapped in the recurring dream he had been having, one that reminded him of his arrival in this world. Even though several months had passed since he arrived here, the memory of that moment was still fresh in his mind.

During this time, he had made significant progress in his training. He was now able to use his Ki at a basic level, which gave him a sense of accomplishment and control. Along with Ki training, he had maintained his physical exercise routine, pushing himself to the limit as he used to in his previous world. Although he tried not to rely on Ki during these workouts, sometimes he couldn't help but use it to further enhance his abilities. Feeling the improvement in his capabilities filled him with joy and motivation. When using Ki, he challenged himself even more, enjoying the challenge it presented.

One of the times he focused the most on using his Ki was during kata practice in various martial arts. These practices not only helped him perfect his technique but also allowed him to control the flow of his Ki, integrating the power with his movements in a smooth and natural way.

During this month, Hideki had also grown closer to Koneko. The calm and satisfaction he had experienced with his new routine had led him to be more open and approachable. They spent more time together at the academy, and Hideki appreciated the company of the little girl, finding in her a sincere and selfless friendship.

He had also spent time with Kiyome, whom he told about his training and the person guiding him. Kiyome's joy for his progress showed her support and understanding, and together they enjoyed moments both inside and outside the academy. These times together helped Hideki adapt better to his new environment and feel more at home.

With the morning already underway, Hideki prepared for his daily routine. He showered quickly and dressed in his training clothes. As he dressed, his thoughts wandered to his achievements and the future. He knew there was still a long road ahead, but the determination and discipline he had learned kept pushing him forward.

Issei Hyoudou had had a week he couldn't have imagined in his wildest dreams. The usual routine of the perverted young man, which consisted of spying on the girls at the academy and avoiding two of the top students, Kiba Yuuto and Hideki Saito, had been dramatically shaken. Kiba and Hideki, with their charisma and skills, captured the attention of almost all the girls; Issei was more annoyed by Hideki because they shared a classroom.

The week took an unexpected turn when a girl from another academy, Yuuma Amano, confessed her feelings to him. Issei, inexperienced in relationships and desperate to have a girlfriend, accepted without thinking much. However, Yuuma turned out to be a fallen angel, sent to kill him due to the threat his Sacred Gear could pose in the future. This revelation ended with Issei's death.

But the story didn't end there. Issei was reincarnated as a demon in the service of Rias Gremory, the young woman with scarlet hair who had always been his platonic love.

The unexpected didn't stop with his reincarnation. A few days later, Issei was attacked again by a fallen angel. Though he was injured, his biggest surprise was waking up the next day with Rias naked in his bed. Stunned and confused, Issei listened to Rias explain the recent events and his new life in the world of demons.

Despite his recent death and transformation, Issei found a new opportunity to be close to Rias, who, after his last attack, explained everything about the supernatural world and his new role as a demon.

As Rias shared information about his role in his new life and the supernatural world, Issei had to assimilate the truth behind his reincarnation and his connection to the beings he had met. The reality of his situation began to settle in, and as he struggled to understand his new role, Issei faced the challenge of balancing his life as a young demon in a world filled with dangers and unexpected opportunities.

Which brings us to the present. Issei Hyoudou was taking his usual morning walk to the academy, immersed in his thoughts about the recent turn of his life. He had gone from being a pervert with dreams of having a girlfriend to a demon in training, and his mind was full of the confusion and amazement that this change had brought him.

By the end of the day, Issei, thinking he was alone in the club, was organizing some pamphlets as part of his new tasks as a reincarnated demon, meant to form contracts with humans to increase the Gremory family's reputation. Just then, Rias entered the room to announce they had received a mission: to eliminate a rogue demon. The news surprised Issei, and although he was still adjusting to his new life as a demon, he knew that missions and danger were now part of his reality.

Once everyone gathered, Kiba explained to Issei that a rogue demon was an old servant who had betrayed their master, sometimes even killing them. These demons, now free from any control, posed a dangerous threat. As Kiba provided more details, the group was transported by a magic circle to their destination.

"We're going to an abandoned house. They say a rogue demon lures people there and eats them," Akeno commented calmly as she looked at the sinister house they were about to enter.

Issei felt a chill as he looked at the place, knowing that his new life as a demon was going to expose him to unimaginable dangers. But he also knew that now he had a responsibility within the Gremory family, and he couldn't fail.

Two more nights passed, and Hideki, true to his resolve, continued his investigation of the abandoned theater. However, his efforts bore no immediate fruit; the demon had not manifested on those two nights, and the traces found offered no conclusive evidence. Despite the lack of progress, Hideki was not willing to give up so easily.

On the third night, with the same determination as always, he returned to the theater. Something in the atmosphere was different from the moment he arrived. The air seemed thicker, and that oppressive feeling of demonic energy he had felt before was now much more intense, as if something was calling to him directly.

"This night will be different..."

The air was dense, almost suffocating, and every step he took toward the theater made his skin crawl. Cautiously, he approached, trying to make sure his target was truly inside. Dressed in his hero suit, Hideki moved through the shadows with the agility and stealth he had perfected over years of training, determined to face whatever awaited him inside.

Hideki reached the second floor with feline agility, entering through a window with perfected stealth. He moved cautiously, searching for the being responsible for the horrible events in the abandoned theater. After thoroughly exploring the second floor without finding anything, he decided to descend to the first.

As soon as his feet touched the ground after the last step, a seductive and ominous voice emerged from the shadows.

"I smell something delicious. Is it sweet? Is it bitter?"—the distorted voice of a woman resonated in the air.

Hideki tensed upon noticing a figure that, although it appeared to be a beautiful woman naked from the waist up, emanated an unsettling presence. His instincts told him danger was near, and he quickly took a battle stance, holding a kunai in each hand and focusing his ki.

Unfortunately, Hideki did not have his usual staff, lost before arriving in this world, but he still had some kunai and shuriken in his suit.

"A human," the woman said, emerging fully from the shadows. While her upper half was that of a beautiful woman, from the waist down, her body resembled that of a manticore. "You've been investigating too much, human. You're not ready for what you're about to face here."

The woman-monster seemed to recognize Hideki, clearly noticing his investigation into her actions.

Hideki, prepared for a dangerous confrontation, felt the pressure of facing an unknown threat.

"I'll stop you," Hideki said firmly. "And protect those who have been affected by your actions. I won't let you keep causing harm."

The figure laughed maliciously, a laugh that ominously echoed in the room.

"Very well, then. Let's see if you can handle what you've found."

The air grew even denser, and Hideki braced himself for the impending confrontation. The woman-monster began to touch herself lasciviously, and small magical circles appeared on her nipples.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Suddenly, several shots rang out, with flashes of light speeding toward Hideki at an incredible velocity. With agile movements, he dodged the attack, surprised to see the flashes melting the walls where they hit.

Hideki evaded the light flashes with agility, his movements precise and quick as the wind. The woman-monster, seeing her first attack fail, furrowed her brow in fury. Instead of being paralyzed by failure, the monster prepared for a new attack, her body spinning with unexpected agility.

Hideki advanced with determination, but before he could throw his first kunai, the woman-monster conjured a magical barrier that deflected his attack. The barrier became visible as a layer of black energy, blocking the kunai with flashes of light. The creature laughed with a distorted voice as the dark aura around her body intensified.

"Did you think that would be enough, human?" the creature murmured, her eyes glowing with malevolence.

Hideki, adjusting his strategy, decided to use the environment to his advantage. He quickly moved toward a corner of the room, trying to avoid the next spell the woman-monster was preparing. As he moved, he threw a kunai at one of the nearby shelves, causing several objects to fall and block the creature's line of sight.

The woman-monster became irritated when she saw her vision obstructed, and suddenly, she cast a darkness spell that enveloped the room in black fog. Hideki, trapped in the mist, had to rely on his senses beyond sight. The fog made his environment unclear and hindered his ability to calculate the distance and angle of his attacks.

While trying to orient himself, Hideki heard the creature's whisper drawing nearer. With a quick movement, he used his ki to clear a small area of the fog, partially revealing the figure of the monster. However, the woman-monster had already launched another attack: dark energy balls flying at high speed. Hideki barely had time to dodge them, one of them grazing his arm and causing a sharp pain.

Desperate to find an opening, Hideki moved quickly, using his training to predict the creature's movements. With a rapid series of movements, he threw kunai at the joints of the woman-monster, but his attacks were intercepted by energy shields that the creature generated in the blink of an eye.

The woman-monster, now partially visible, let out a scream of fury and launched a dark tentacle attack from her lower torso, extending with surprising speed. Hideki had to move with agility to dodge the tentacles that sought to trap him. Despite his efforts, one of the tentacles managed to grab his leg, making him fall to the ground.

With his leg trapped and feeling the pain, Hideki was forced to use an advanced evasion technique. He focused his Ki into his arms and made a series of quick movements to cut the tentacle holding him in place. Finally, with a final effort, he freed himself and stood up, still staggering from the impact of the attack.

The battle intensified as the woman-monster increased the speed of her attacks. Hideki, aware of the growing threat, had to employ a more elaborate strategy. He moved in circles around the monster, trying to confuse her. At a key moment, he made a powerful leap toward a wall, spun in the air, and his feet touched the wall to propel himself at high speed beneath the massive creature. Sliding skillfully beneath her, he wrapped his kunai with a significant charge of Ki, hoping his attack would be effective. The kunai tore through the manticore's belly, but the attack wasn't deep enough to significantly weaken the creature due to the short length of the weapon.

Looking at the attack, Hideki noticed that the human half of the monster avoided getting close to him, quickly deducing that it was her weak point. He checked his pouch and saw that he only had the kunai in his hand left; the others were buried in the monster's skin.

Just then, a sudden attack from the monster's tail hit him, throwing him brutally against a wall. Hideki twisted his body in the air, narrowly dodging a second attack that destroyed the wall where he had been. He got up, staggering, aware that he needed a plan to overcome the demon.

Determined not to give up, Hideki concentrated his Ki to the maximum, knowing that only a risky attack could bring him victory. The monster launched a direct attack with one of her claws, and Hideki made a powerful jump, reaching about three meters in height to dodge the blow. He landed on the monster's arm and ran toward her human half, using all the energy he had left to maintain the necessary speed.

With one last kunai in hand, Hideki threw it at the woman-monster's face. Although she blocked the kunai with her human arm, that moment of distraction was what Hideki had been waiting for. He concentrated all his Ki in his arms and approached the monster's human half. He made a methodical and precise attack: a left jab to the jaw to disorient her, followed by a right cross that intensified the impact, and a left hook to the ribs, feeling them crack under his fist.

Then, he prepared his best attack, a move he had only seen his master use once, Vital Strike. All the muscles in his body briefly tensed before relaxing. He concentrated all that was left of his ki into his right arm and launched his right fist with devastating power directly into the woman-monster's stomach. The blow sank deeply, causing the woman to vomit a large amount of blood, splattering Hideki in the process.

The attack he had used was the Goutaijutsu, a technique that required the fighter to tense their body to the maximum at the moment of impact. When executed correctly, the punch hits with the full weight of the body, making it one of the most destructive attacks in his arsenal, and combined with the ki, the attack was even more powerful. Hideki had practiced this technique tirelessly, and tonight, he put it into action with an effort and precision that reflected all his training.

The devastating blow left the woman-monster staggering, her whole body trembling with the impact. The force of the Goutaijutsu had penetrated deeply, causing blood to pour from her mouth and her trying to regain balance. Although the attack was devastating, the creature had not been completely knocked down. Her fury grew, and her movements became even more erratic and violent.

As Hideki stepped back to prepare for a possible counterattack, the woman-monster charged at him with renewed fury. Her tail, moving with surprising agility, shook dangerously. Hideki narrowly dodged, but the impact of the close attack sent debris and dust flying around the room, impairing his vision and making him vulnerable to unexpected attacks.

The monster, wounded but still extremely dangerous, launched a series of quick and uncontrolled attacks, combining claws and the tail in a frenzy of movements. Hideki, forced to stay focused, moved quickly and with agility, dodging as best as he could to keep a safe distance.

In a moment of desperation, the woman-monster charged forward with impressive force. Hideki, anticipating the attack, made a quick turn to dodge, but his movement was intercepted by a swift sweep of the tail that threw him against a wall, leaving him stunned and on the ground.

Breathing heavily, Hideki struggled to recover. His muscles were tense and sore, the impact of recent attacks had left him exhausted, and he had drained the last of his Ki. However, he knew he couldn't give up; his willpower was the only thing keeping him on his feet. Despite the overwhelming fatigue, he raised both fists, determined not to leave without giving everything he had.

With his body trembling and his mind growing more confused, Hideki felt his consciousness fading. His eyes blurred and turned white, his body stopped responding. He stood there, motionless, with a lost gaze, completely unconscious but still standing.

BOOM! CRASH!

A white flash collided with the monster, violently throwing it against a wall.

Moments earlier, Rias Gremory and her entourage had arrived at the abandoned house after receiving a report about a renegade demon causing havoc. The group approached the place cautiously, prepared to face any dangerous situation. However, as they got closer, a powerful crash startled them. Peering through several broken walls, they could see what was happening inside. A strange figure, dressed in an unusual outfit—a kind of light, modern armor—was fighting intensely against the renegade demon. The group soon realized that the figure was a human, and the most surprising thing of all was that he was using Ki, although Koneko was the only one who noticed that his use of it was basic.

The fight seemed to be nearing its climax. The observers watched as the man executed a tremendous combo of Ki-charged strikes to the monster's human half, seemingly landing a decisive blow. However, their surprise grew when they saw that, despite continuing to vomit blood, the monster attacked in a final desperate act, and it was evident that it was about to pass out from blood loss.

Despite his efforts, the man couldn't avoid the attack and was brutally thrown against the wall through which the Gremory clan group had been observing.

Koneko realized two things: first, that the Ki signature of the man was surprisingly similar to that of a friend of hers, and second, that the man's scent confirmed her suspicions. –"Hideki-senpai!"– she screamed in her mind. It was her friend and senpai, Hideki Saito, who was in life-threatening danger.

Without hesitation, Koneko stepped forward, moving with surprising speed, even for Kiba. She passed through the hole in the wall through which they had been watching, and with renewed strength, she delivered a devastating blow to the monster. Her attack made the renegade demon stagger, further weakening the creature.

As Koneko approached Hideki, she was surprised to see that, despite his critical condition, he was still standing, his guard up, trying to remain alert. A strange sense of danger coming from Hideki made her stop momentarily, not without concern. Her face paled as she realized that Hideki was still not out of danger. She knew the battle was over, but at least, for now, they had managed to save Hideki and neutralize the threat looming over the city.

Rias and the rest of the group hurried to enter, ready to finish off the monster and ensure the safety of the subject. But Koneko's blow had been so powerful that the monster fell to the ground, already dead. With the threat contained, Rias and her entourage quickly approached the man, who lay unconscious and severely injured.

Issei was the first to speak, his astonishment clear after what he had just witnessed. The scene had been so shocking that he hadn't yet noticed that the unconscious man before them was an ordinary human.

—"That was amazing,"—he commented, still in awe—"Is he part of Rias-buchou's clan?"—he asked, genuinely curious as he approached the unconscious man. —"Is... is he unconscious?"—his surprise grew as he saw that the man was standing but clearly not conscious, and he was about to approach further when an arm stopped him before he entered the man's range.

—"Don't come closer,"—warned Koneko in a firm voice, her gaze still fixed on Hideki. Issei, confused, looked at the man's face. It felt familiar, but the mask covering part of his face made it impossible for him to fully identify him.

—"Why?"—asked Issei, incredulous. He wanted to help, but Koneko's gesture baffled him.

—"He's injured. We need to help him as soon as possible,"—said Issei, his desperation palpable as he saw that no one was moving to assist the man. Koneko nodded, acknowledging the truth in Issei's words, but remained firm.

—"Danger,"—was all Koneko said next—"If you come closer, you'll be attacked."

Koneko's words left Issei even more confused. The fear in her voice and the severity of her warning made him hesitate, but his concern for Hideki's condition didn't fade. Issei looked around, searching for any signs of what might be happening. The fact that the man was in such bad shape yet still standing indicated that the situation was far more complicated than it seemed at first glance.

Rias, observing the tension in the scene, stepped forward and, with a determined look, took the initiative.

—"Koneko is right,"—said Rias in a calm but authoritative voice—"This man is incredibly strong, but he's also extremely dangerous. His spirit hasn't given up. We need to be cautious and make sure there are no more surprises."

With a quick glance at Koneko, Rias signaled her to act. Koneko, responding to the gesture, gently moved Issei aside and slowly approached Hideki. Her senses were alert, ready for any signs of danger. As she approached, a strong bloodlust emanated from Hideki for a moment, freezing Issei in his place.

BOOM!

Suddenly, Hideki, with an explosive movement, launched a direct attack at Koneko. However, Koneko's speed allowed her to block the strike precisely, leaving Issei even more impressed by the scene. With the attack stopped, Hideki's body lost the strength he had left, and he collapsed completely, inert.

Koneko, now more relaxed but still worried, leaned down to check his condition. The ferocity of the initial attack had faded, replaced by the vulnerability of a man on the brink of exhaustion.

—"Hideki-senpai..."—murmured Koneko, her voice full of concern as she examined his visible injuries. Her movements, usually brusque, became gentle and careful, her hardness replaced by a tenderness born from her worry for him.

Issei, watching closely, couldn't help but ask:

—"Is he okay?"—his voice reflected the mix of fear and curiosity consuming him.

Koneko nodded slowly, but her eyes betrayed the anxiety she felt. She knew that although Hideki had shown great strength, his condition was serious, and he needed urgent help.

—"We need to take him to a safe place to treat him,"—said Koneko with determination—"If we don't do it soon, his condition could worsen."

Rias, assessing the situation, nodded in agreement.

—"Let's take him to the club. There we can tend to his wounds and find out what happened."

As the group hurried to move Hideki, Rias observed attentively. Something in the way Koneko referred to him made her remember a name she had heard before.

—"Hideki Saito?"—murmured Rias to herself, her eyes widening in surprise as she remembered. Akeno used to mention this young man in her jokes with Koneko, but now, seeing him in person, gave her a new perspective.

—"Is it Hideki Saito?"—asked Rias, approaching Koneko with astonishment in her voice.

Koneko nodded seriously.

—"Yes, Rias-buchou. He is Hideki-senpai. I don't know how he ended up facing that renegade demon, but we need to help him now."

Rias saw the deep affection Koneko had for Hideki reflected in her desperation to save him. Without wasting any more time, she made a decision.

—"Alright. Let's take him to the club and do everything we can to help him recover. Prepare to provide all the help needed."

With renewed urgency, the group hurried to move Hideki, aware that every second was crucial.

End, I hope you liked it.

It might not be noticeable, but in this version, the demon is stronger than its original counterpart. And, well, Hideki still can't match Kiba and Koneko's strength and speed, but that will change as the story progresses.

When I imagined Hideki's suit, I always saw it like Nightwing's from Batman Arkham Knight. I apologize if the images aren't the best, but they were the ones where I thought the suit looked best. Just imagine he has the regular mask, not the one that seems connected to the suit.

Extra: I don't exist!

Hideki had been staring at the same empty cup of instant ramen for what seemed like hours, lost in thought. His head was spinning, and a sharp migraine threatened to split his skull as he tried to comprehend the magnitude of his situation.

Frustrated, he kicked the cup, sending it rolling to the other end of the alley that had become his "home" for the past night.

With only 20,000 yen in his pocket (which had shrunk to 16,600 after the "nutritious" ramen meal and a bottle of water, plus some clothes so he wouldn't have to keep wearing his hero suit), he desperately needed a source of income. Sleeping on the street, while uncomfortable, was manageable for now. His hero suit, though not the most comfortable, at least kept him warm.

Still angry, frustrated, and with his stomach growling, Hideki decided to move. His eyes needed a break from the misery surrounding him. Maybe exploring the city would help clear his thoughts. A library seemed like a good place to start, and the best part: it was free.

Leaving behind the dirty and probably red-light district of the city, Hideki headed toward the center. He had seen a map at a bus stop and adjusted his route accordingly. At least the city wasn't too big. A small blessing amidst the chaos.

After walking for about 30 minutes, without even stopping to catch his breath, he arrived at his destination. The library was modern, clean, and welcoming, as if it had recently been renovated. As he looked at his reflection in the glass door, he at least looked less like a bum and more like a scruffy college student.

Upon entering, he felt a warm gust of air that brought him back to life. Maybe he should reconsider his "bed" on the street. As he crossed the lobby, the man at the reception desk gave him a brief glance before returning to his work, not saying anything.

But none of that mattered.

Minutes later, Hideki exited the library faster than he entered, struggling to contain his labored breathing. His research had led to a horrifying conclusion: he didn't exist. There was no trace of a 17-year-old named Hideki Saito in this world. No Saito Onoki, his 68-year-old grandfather, a man who had worked as a recognized carpenter all his life. He didn't exist.

Tears began to well in his eyes as he accepted that harsh reality. Every search he had done in the databases confirmed the same: there was no U.A. High School, the most prestigious hero academy in Japan and Musutafu.

Nothing.

His life, his identity, his world… everything had disappeared.

He had no birth certificate, no ID, no proof of schooling. Finding a legal job was impossible. And even if he miraculously managed to find one, he doubted they would pay enough to afford an apartment in the city. Plus, what landlord would trust a 17-year-old who couldn't even prove his name, let alone his ability to pay rent? Surely there were laws preventing minors from working without permission.

The cool afternoon air hit his face as he left the library, but Hideki barely noticed. Every step he took echoed like a hollow sound in his mind. The streets, the people walking by, everything seemed blurry, distant, as if the whole world had become unreal, indifferent to him. It felt like he was trapped in a dream he couldn't wake up from, one where he had no control.

He walked aimlessly, not caring where his feet took him. Every thought returned to the same dark truth: he didn't exist. He was a ghost in a world that didn't recognize his existence. No one here knew who he was, what he had sacrificed, or what he had faced.

Suddenly, the exhaustion hit him like a wave. His body, though strong from years of training, finally gave in to the pressure. He found a bench in an empty park and slumped onto it, resting his head in his hands. The headache returned, but this time it was more emotional than physical. A sense of hopelessness settled in his chest, heavy like a stone he couldn't lift.

"What do I do now?" he thought, his mind in a whirl. There were no heroes to turn to, no friends, no U.A., nothing. He was alone. As alone as when his parents abandoned him. The same wound, the same emptiness.

But deep within that despair, something inside him resisted giving up. That little spark, that indomitable fire that had kept Hideki alive even when everything seemed lost. He had survived before without a quirk, had fought for his place in a world that considered him weak. If there was one thing he had learned, it was that he couldn't rely on anyone to save him. He couldn't expect a rescue.

He took a deep breath, lifted his head, and looked up at the sky, which was beginning to turn orange with the sunset.

"I'm not someone who gives up so easily," he whispered to himself, reminding himself what made him different. He didn't have a quirk, but he had something many other heroes didn't: an unbreakable will.

At that moment, a gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the nearby trees. Something inside him calmed, even if just a little. There were no easy solutions, but he was determined to find a way out. He needed information, not just about his non-existence, but about this new world. He had to understand it. And for that, he would have to be clever.

He stood up, adjusted his coat, and decided that his next destination would be a place where he could get answers. He had considered the library, but maybe he should aim for something else… something that would give him a broader view of the city and the supernatural world he was now trapped in.

"One step at a time, Hideki. One step at a time."

With that renewed determination, Hideki prepared to face whatever this new world threw at him. He didn't have superpowers or a quirk backing him up, but he had something no one could take away: his indomitable spirit.

I am very grateful for all your support